Imagery

imagery: in mental life, the collective representation of mental images or depictions of anything either perceived (perceptual imagery) or, if not actually present as a sensory stimulus, recognized in memory (memory imagery), or in dream, confabulation, or fantasy (fictive imagery). Imagery refers to a predominantly visual sensory modality of input.

Dictionary of Sexology Project: Main Index

Im"age*ry (?), n. [OE. imagerie, F. imagerie.]

1.

The work of one who makes images or visible representation of objects; imitation work; images in general, or in mass.

"Painted imagery."

Shak.

In those oratories might you see Rich carvings, portraitures, and imagery. Dryden.

2.

Fig.: Unreal show; imitation; appearance.

What can thy imagery of sorrow mean? Prior.

3.

The work of the imagination or fancy; false ideas; imaginary phantasms.

The imagery of a melancholic fancy. Atterbury.

4.

Rhetorical decoration in writing or speaking; vivid descriptions presenting or suggesting images of sensible objects; figures in discourse.

I wish there may be in this poem any instance of good imagery. Dryden.

 

© Webster 1913.